Duane Murley (KWMT, Fort Dodge, IA) developed his interest in farm radio as he listened to AM 540 KWMT on the tractor radio while baling hay, cultivating, plowing late at night, or whatever he was doing on the tractor (or combine). Duane was born and raised in Sac City, IA, where his parents, two brothers and their families still reside. Today, Duane calls Rockwell City his home. He lives there with his wife, Darcy, and daughter, Brandi, who graduated last May from South Dakota State University in Brookings and is now pursuing her master’s degree in International Agriculture at Oklahoma State University. Brandi has been accepted into The Peace Corps and will be leaving for Uganda for 27 months. Besides his farm broadcasting duties, Duane is active on the Rockwell City Fire Department as well as other local organizations. Duane joined the staff at KWMT in 1985. With encouragement from longtime NAFB member Doug Cooper, Duane started doing the markets when farm directors were away from the station. He became Farm Director in August 2012. He also serves as KWMT Program Director. Often, Duane can be found helping Rockwell City area farmers during the harvest season and driving his 1946 or 1951 Farmall H on area tractor rides.  

At left, Duane Murley interviews Ray Crilley of Crilleys Chuck Wagon, the food sponsor for his recent Feed the Farmer activity. At right, Duane combines soybeans for Carver Family Farms this harvest season.